TWO NEW MODELS FROM BMW - R1150 RS AND F650 CS

Last year was the BMW motorcycle division's most successful in its 78 year
history, with almost 75,000 customer deliveries worldwide. With three models
launched in March 2001 and two more still to come - the R1150 RS and F650 CS -
BMW's model range has never been broader than it is now.

THE NEW R1150 RS:
£7,995 sports tourer now more dynamic, agile, comfortable and safer

Like the R1150 GS, R1150 R and R1150 RT, the £7,995 R1150 RS also comes with a
larger and more powerful engine featuring a catalytic converter and six-speed
transmission. The brakes have also been upgraded to match the increase in
power and performance. The R1150 RS is equipped with BMW's new EVO brake on
the front wheel (offering up to 20 per cent more braking power) while Integral
ABS can be included as an option - in this case, the partly integrated version
to reflect the sporting character of the machine. Other features also include
new wheels and a larger screen.

Bigger engine displacement, more power and torque:
Maximum output is up from 66 kW (90 bhp) on the former model to 70 kW (95 bhp)
at 7,250 rpm. Maximum torque has increased from 95 Nm to 100 Nm (74 lb ft) at
5,500 rpm, with more than 90 Nm or 66 lb ft available between 3,000 and 6,500
rpm.

New transmission with sixth gear overdrive:
The R1150 RS now features a hydraulically operated clutch to transmit the power
of the engine. It is controlled by a hand lever adjustable to three different
positions. As with the R1150 RT, the new six-speed unit is geared for more
comfortable touring. The sixth gear is higher, serving as a kind of overdrive.
The practical benefits include a reduction in engine speed and noise, less
vibrations and improved fuel consumption.

Better handling, greater safety: The running gear and suspension geometry of
the R1150 RS are basically the same as before. Superior ride quality and
excellent comfort are maintained by use of BMW's Telelever front-wheel system
and the BMW Paralever, which acts as a double-joint swinging arm on the rear
wheel. The telescopic tubes on the Telelever are the same as on the R1150 RT,
while other features come from the R1100 RS. Spring travel is unchanged at 120
mm (4.72'') and the spring strut is infinitely adjustable by means of a bolt in
the outward-stroke damper.

Installation of the six-speed gearbox, and the modified bearing of the
Paralever in a larger gearbox housing, have reduced the length of the swinging
arm from 520 to 506 mm (20.47'' to 19.92''). The rider's footrests are
identical to the R1150 R. As before, pre-tension of the spring strut may be
adjusted manually.

New wheels for better handling: The new wheels are the most significant
technical modification to the running gear and suspension. Like the three
other R models, the R1150 RS now employs lighter, but very strong cast
aluminium wheels with five double spokes. The reduction of unsprung masses in
this way serves to enhance both handling and riding comfort.

While the front wheel remains unchanged in size at 3.50 x 17, the new machine
now features a smaller and wider rear wheel measuring 5.00 x 17 (previously
4.50 x 18). This allows use of the latest generation of tyres and helps to
provide even greater riding stability and enhanced handling.

New EVO brake and Integral ABS as an option:
The R1150 RS comes with BMW's servo-assisted EVO brake on the front wheel,
enhancing braking power by 20 per cent, with up to 50 per cent less effort
required. The rear-wheel brake is from the R1150 RT. As an option, the R1150
RS is also available with BMW's new Integral ABS anti-lock brake system - in
this case the partly integrated version. This means that the hand brake lever
acts on both wheels while the foot brake lever only applies the rear brake.

Better weather protection: The most important change compared to the old model
is the screen, which is eight centimetres higher and six centimetres wider.
This increases the total area of the screen by approximately 30 per cent,
ensuring a superior standard of protection from wind and weather. In one
simple operation, the screen angle can be adjusted.

A full fairing (previously only available as an option) is now standard on the
R1150 RS. Other standard features include new controls and switches on the
handlebar as well as clear direction indicator lenses at the front.

A choice of three colours:
There is a choice of three colours: dark blue metallic/frost blue metallic,
titanium silver metallic or pacific blue metallic, in each case with a black
seat.

Optional extras and special equipment:
The optional extras available for the new machine are partly integrated ABS
(£750) heated grips (£175) pannier fixings (£80) and pannier fixings complete
with luggage rack (£145). Additional equipment includes panniers, topcase,
tank bag, cylinder protection hoops, chrome-plated cylinder protection covers
and an anti-theft warning system.

THE NEW BMW F650 CS

Production of the F650 GS and F650 GS Dakar at BMW's motorcycle plant in Berlin
has now passed the 30,000 unit mark and in September, BMW will be presenting
the new F650 CS at the Frankfurt, Milan and Birmingham motorcycle shows. The
F650 CS is designed to appeal to new customers and for the first time in BMW's
history, uses a low maintenance belt drive system which is easy to service and
long lasting.

Designed to function in the city and on the open road:
The F650 CS is perfect for all kinds of road riding and the new storage
facility in the central fairing offers versatility and accommodation for
everything a rider needs in everyday life. The seat height is a low 780 mm
(30.7'') with an even lower 750 mm (29.5'') setting available as an option.
This makes the F650 CS ideal for the smaller rider. Because of its superior
handling and quick-revving power unit, the F650 CS offers true sporting
capability on country roads.

High-revving engine with catalytic converter:
The single-cylinder power unit and five-speed gearbox have both been carried
over from the F650 GS. Like all BMW motorcycles, the F650 CS also comes with
Digital Motor Electronics and a fully-controlled catalytic converter. The
maximum output of 37 kW (50 bhp) now occurs at 6,800 rpm (6,500 rpm on the F
650 GS). Maximum torque has increased from 60 Nm to 62 Nm (46 lb ft)at 5,500
rpm (6,000 rpm). Torque of more than 50 Nm (37 lb ft) is consistently
available between 3,500 and 7,000 rpm.

Engine oil reservoir in the frame:
To provide an integrated storage compartment, designers and engineers developed
the principal (originally introduced on the F650) of using the frame of the
motorcycle as an engine oil reservoir. Accordingly, the two upper arms of the
bridge-type frame house 2.5 litres of engine oil.

New exhaust system:
The exhaust system is entirely new. The three-way catalytic converter and
oxygen sensor are integrated into a silencer made of high quality, polished
steel. This avoids the need for a pre-silencer and allowed the designers to
continue the lines and contours of the exhaust manifold back to the final
silencer The two-piece, exhaust pipe covers are matt-blasted.

The single swinging arm with toothed drive belt:
The single swinging arm on the F650 CS is made of aluminium and is unique in
its market sector. It contributes to the stability of the running gear with a
high level of torsional stiffness and enhances the ride quality. The toothed
drive belt is clean and quiet, requires no lubrication, and lasts twice as long
as a conventional chain.

Both F models feature a bridge frame backbone made of rectangular steel
profiles which have a larger than usual cross-section to ensure a high level of
stiffness. The panels on the side profiles protect the rider's legs from heat
that may emanate from the engine oil. The CS model uses telescopic forks which
have a shorter spring travel (125 mm) and are specially set for road use.

Cast aluminium wheels:
Silver-painted 17-inch three-spoke cast aluminium wheels feature (on the rear)
a curved design from hub to rim which is the result of combining the brake and
toothed belt sprocket on the right-hand side.

The F650 CS employs a 300 mm single disc front brake with a two-piston floating
caliper and sintered metal brake pads. A 240 mm single disc is fitted to the
rear wheel and features a single-piston floating caliper. ABS brakes are
available as an option. BMW is the only motorcycle manufacturer to offer ABS
throughout the entire range.

A wide range of colours:
The F650 CS will be available in three colour schemes: azur blue metallic,
golden orange metallic and belugia blue. The seat is available in dark blue or
sepia, and the exchangeable side covers on the central fairing can be either
white aluminium or golden orange.

New dual headlights with ellipsoidal technology:
With a tinted, clear-view screen, translucent screen support and low-fitted
dual headlights, the F650 CS has an entirely new face. Featuring ellipsoid
technology, the low-beam headlights emit a bright light beam. On high-beam,
free-form technology guarantees broad illumination of the road ahead. A small
parking light is fitted in the centre, beneath the two headlights.

The instrument cluster includes a speedo and rev counter, and the design is
reminiscent of a modern wristwatch. Finished in silver, the handlebars measure
745 mm (29.33") in width, while mirrors and controls are identical to those of
the F650 GS. The fuel tank has a capacity of 15 litres (3.3 gals) and is
situated in the frame triangle beneath the dual seat. This provides a low
centre of gravity and aids optimum handling. The tank filler pipe is located
on the right-hand side of the seat. Two seat heights are available: the
standard is 780 mm (30.7") and the optional, 750 mm (29.5").

The translucent luggage rack carries a maximum load of 5 kg and is held by two,
stable aluminium grab handles.

Central fairing with innovative storage space concept:
Visually, the most striking feature of the F650 CS is the central fairing which
replaces the tank, or tank fairing. By containing the engine oil in the frame,
the free space has been used to create a new, innovative storage compartment,
situated just above the airbox. Featuring a translucent fastening rail on both
sides, the compartment has the capacity to take anything from a spare helmet,
to a rainsuit or tank bag.

BMW's designers have developed a range of accessories to fit the new storage
compartment. These include: a 12 litre capacity softbag made of
water-repellent fabric; a storage box for items like mobile phone, wallet and
sunglasses; a 10 litre plastic hardcase; and a helmet and baggage spider
consisting of three flexible plastic arms, metal inserts and locking
mechanism. An audio system has also been designed and is based on the size and
shape of the hard case. It features portable CD (MC or MD) player,
weatherproof active speakers and stereo amplifier with manual and speed-related
volume control.

Softbags for luggage rack and passenger seat:
Soft luggage is available for the F650 CS. The new system includes 27 and 35
litres capacity, watertight nylon bags for the luggage rack and passenger seat
respectively. The former can be adapted for use as a backpack and even
combined with the rear seat bag for additional capacity.

Special equipment and optional extras:
Special equipment and optional extras are important aspects of the F650 CS.
Apart from the items already listed, other special equipment includes heated
grab rails, an engine spoiler, chrome trim package, on-board computer, power
socket, anti-theft system, a special stand for servicing operations, hazard
warning flashers and a cover.

An innovative range of CS rider equipment and clothing:
BMW has developed a collection of rider wear and equipment especially for
owners of the F650 CS. Gloves, footwear and accessories are all designed to
co-ordinate.

Ends
For more information and CD press kit containing images of the latest models
please contact :
Andy Dukes on 08000 131 282 or e-mail andydukes@worldofbmw.com

Additionally all images can be downloaded from PressClub